Races

Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview

RACE 1

Racing at Eagle Farm gets under way with a Class 3 where our leading trainer Tony Gollan has a very strong hand with a trio of acceptors & I have them filling 3 of the top 4 placings. PURE PARADISE gets the major nod, placed in a fast run race here on Tiara Day only has to run up to that to give this a decent shake. SPIRIT QUEEN is a backmarker & her draw here confirms she’ll settle well back in the field, look for her to be storming home though. BATTLEFIELD won in good time last start whilst DAYTONA is the other run-on type.

Numbers: 3 – 2 – 5 – 1

Suggested Bet: Box up top 4 selections in exotics.


RACE 2

Average restricted class staying race where I’m happy to go wide & suggest INTUITU can improve sharply back to a dry surface. He was a winner here 6 runs back before a dismal run of form however keep in mind all of those efforts were on wet ground, he just doesn’t handle it. TAPILDOODLEDOO will find this a great deal easier than his recent runs, big weight however should still improve. TOP BOY is the weight horse tumbling down to 52.5kg after Emily Lang’s claim, carried 58kg last start winning in easier company.

Numbers: 7 – 1 – 8 – 3

Suggested Bet: INTUITU EACH-WAY.


RACE 3

Keen on the chances of WITHOUT REVENGE who really impressed in midweek company here last start surging clear of his rivals late. The step up to 1600m is ideal & he can once again camp nice & handy to the lead. No doubt ESSONNE has the best form lines dropping back from Listed grade all 3 starts this prep, the consistent CINQUE TORRI must also be included, he’s having a great campaign.

Numbers: 4 – 2 – 6 – 8

Suggested Bet: WITHOUT REVENGE TO WIN.


RACE 4

The Anthony & Sam Freedman trained MATISSE has certainly been dealt the visitors draw however can still get away with this. She placed both Blue Diamond lead-ups in Melbourne before finishing 7th in the big one without a lot of luck in the straight. She resumed with a recent Doomben win & will be suited by the step up in distance. SUPRPISE HONEY was the filly she beat home at Doomben, there’s a 4.5kg weight swing in SURPRISE HONEY’s favour, has to be the main danger. ASTAPOR has the form, just needs to overcome a wide gate.

Numbers: 2 – 11 – 1 – 12

Suggested Bet: MATISSE TO WIN.


RACE 5

Thought CHATTY LADY had a good chance here first up from a break. She closed off strongly when resuming last prep over 100m less & has an additional barrier trial under her belt this time around. She will drift back however the tempo looks genuine enough at this stage. LEGAL ESPRIT was racing in great form before the break & is the class runner, the weight won’t worry him, he’s quite capable of blowing these away if fit enough. SHOOTING FOR GOLD will be running on, he drops back in grade significantly.

Numbers: 3 – 1 – 2 – 10

Suggested Bet: CHATTY LADY EACH-WAY.


RACE 6

MILANE has raced consistently since coming up this way & joining the Tony Gollan team. He does get back in his races suggesting he’ll need at least a genuine tempo up front which he looks like getting here through the likes of his stablemate Hold On Honey & others. EMPEROR has a strong finish & is another who will be attacking the line late, just might need luck getting through from the inside gate. CENTRESTONE is a knockout hope fresh, he’s won 2 of 3 when resuming in the past.

Numbers: 4 – 8 – 1 – 11

Suggested Bet: MILLANE TO WIN.


RACE 7

Keen on the chances of the ex-Irish galloper ZAPHOD who had his first run in Australia recently winning in good style at Newcastle. He probably didn’t beat a lot however the manner in which he dashed clear over the latter stages suggests he’s a good type who will be suited by the longer trip & likely has a bit on this opposition. I’m expecting improvement from SHARP DAZZLER who races very well here, weight drop should assist.

Numbers: 1 – 2 – 10 – 3

Suggested Bet: ZAPHOD TO WIN.


RACE 8

GOLDEN DECADE has plenty on this lot class wise however he comes up with a wide draw suggesting he’ll need a touch of luck early to slot in or at worst find cover. He’s been close up in 3 stronger races since winning here first up & the claim for Cody Collis brings him in nicely at the weights. JUNGLE LAW is only lightly raced & consistent, maps on speed. MISS MIRIAM can improve.

Numbers: 1 – 5 – 15 – 13

Suggested Bet: GOLDEN DECADE TO WIN.


RACE 9

This is a very tough way to wind up the day, absolute lottery! I’ve gone extremely wide & perhaps a run early however thought UNCOMMON VALOUR was way over the odds considering he ran well fresh, has a good second up record & will appreciate the longer trip. SUNSET SOIREE didn’t run the 2000m plus out last start & is better placed back to this distance. Can make a case for & against basically all runners in the race.

Numbers: 12 – 5 – 9 – 8

Suggested Bet: Very wide exotics best.

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